System and method for displaying a multimedia container

ABSTRACT

A system and method for displaying a multimedia container. The method includes accessing, within a mobile device, a datastore corresponding to a multimedia container, wherein the multimedia container comprises a plurality of objects and the datastore comprises information about the plurality of objects; determining a plurality of most recently accessed objects of the plurality of objects; determining a respective image corresponding to each of the plurality of most recently used objects; determining an order of each respective image based on a respective access time of a respective object corresponding to the respective image; and displaying a multimedia container image comprising each respective image according to the order, the multimedia container image corresponds to the multimedia container. In one exemplary implementation, a first object of the plurality of objects is a first portion of content and a second object of the plurality of objects is a second portion of content.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to the copendingprovisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/697,077, entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD OF PROVIDING A USER INTERFACE ON A MOBILE DEVICE,” withfiling date Sep. 5, 2012, and hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

This application is related to non-provisional patent application, Ser.No. 13/901,363, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MULTIMEDIA CONTAINER,”with filing date May 23, 2013, and hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

This application is related to non-provisional patent application, Ser.No. 13/901,429, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING OBJECTS IN AMULTIMEDIA CONTAINER,” with filing date May 23, 2013, and herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to non-provisional patent application, Ser.No. 13/901,498, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A HOME MULTIMEDIACONTAINER,” with filing date May 23, 2013, and hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to graphicaluser interfaces that may be part of a mobile operating system.

BACKGROUND

As computing technology has advanced, computers have become smaller andmore portable thereby bringing about powerful handheld devices capableof performing functions of more traditional computing technology. At thesame time operating systems for handheld devices or mobile devices havebeen developed to better suit handheld devices. Such operating systemshave conventionally been focused around applications. For example, uponturning on a handheld device, the user is presented with a fixed grid oficons of representing applications that the user can choose from.

In such an application or “app centric” interface, a user's content isaccessed by first accessing an application for the type of content andthen selecting the desired piece of content. For example, in order for auser to access music, a music application is launched and then thedesired music is selected for playback. Similarly, in order for a userto browse a website, a web browser is launched and the user enters orselects the desired website or URL (uniform resource locator). In otherwords, mobile operating systems are focused on or centered aroundapplications and a user enters an application in order to access orconsume content.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, what is needed is a solution to allow a user to accesscontent without having to first select an application in order to accessthe content. Embodiments of the present invention are operable to allowcontent and applications to be organized in a multimedia container. Themultimedia container may comprise pieces of content, applications,widgets, etc. The multimedia container is displayed via a graphical userinterface that allows a user to select content for access instead ofselecting an application and then selecting the desired content.Embodiments of the present invention allow users to organize theircontent based on specific interests or life events rather thanorganizing their content separately within each application. Embodimentsof the present invention thereby allow a user to access content withoutgoing separately to a variety of applications. Embodiments of thepresent invention further allow pieces of content and applications to beorganized according to a common theme while being from different datatypes. Embodiments of the present invention thus allow a user tonavigate content and applications instead of just navigatingapplications. Embodiments of the present invention thereby allow for amore personalized experience with a device (e.g., mobile device).Embodiments of the present invention further allow a user to organizecontent according to his or her interests and reorganize the content ashis or her interests change.

In one embodiment, a method for displaying a portion of a graphical userinterface comprises: accessing, within a mobile device, a datastorecorresponding to a multimedia container, wherein the multimediacontainer comprises a plurality of objects and the datastore comprisesinformation about the plurality of objects; determining a plurality ofmost recently accessed objects of the plurality of objects; determininga respective image corresponding to each of the plurality of mostrecently used objects; determining an order of each respective imagebased on a respective access time of a respective object correspondingto the respective image; and displaying a multimedia container imagecomprising each respective image according to the order, wherein themultimedia container image corresponds to the multimedia container. Inone exemplary implementation, a first object of the plurality of objectsis a first portion of content and a second object of the plurality ofobjects is a second portion of content. The first respective image cancorrespond to a most recently used object of the plurality of mostrecently accessed objects of the multimedia container and can bedisplayed in a foreground position relative to a second respectiveimage. The second respective image can correspond to a second mostrecently used object of the plurality of most recently accessed objectsand the second respective image can be displayed in a backgroundposition relative to the first respective image.

In one embodiment, the multimedia container image comprising eachrespective image is operable upon selection to invoke an operation toopen the multimedia container. In one exemplary implementation, arespective portion of the multimedia container image comprising eachrespective image is operable upon selection to open a piece of contentcorresponding to each respective image. The first respective image cancorrespond to a piece of content and a second respective image cancorrespond to an application icon. The first respective image cancorrespond to a first portion content of a first media type and a secondrespective image can correspond to a second portion of content of asecond media type.

In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium has storedthereon, computer executable instructions that, if executed by acomputer system cause the computer system to perform a method fordisplaying a graphical user interface. In one exemplary implementation,the method comprises: accessing, within a mobile device, a datastorecorresponding to a multimedia container, wherein the multimediacontainer comprises a plurality of objects and the datastore comprisesinformation about the plurality of objects; determining a plurality ofmost recently accessed objects of the multimedia container based on theinformation about the plurality of objects; determining a plurality ofrespective images, wherein each respective image corresponds to arespective object of the plurality of most recently used objects;determining an order of the respective images; displaying the pluralityof respective images, wherein each respective image is selectable andthe plurality of respective image corresponds to the multimediacontainer; receiving a selection of a respective image of the pluralityof respective images; and launching an application corresponding to arespective object corresponding to the respective image. In oneexemplary implementation, a first object of the plurality of objects isa first portion of content and a second object of the plurality ofobjects is a second portion of content. The mobile device can be atablet computing device.

It is appreciated the respective images can correspond to a variety ofitems, features or characteristics. The first respective image cancorrespond to a most recently used object and can be displayed in aforeground relative to a second respective image corresponding to asecond most recently used object. The first respective image can bedisplayed at an offset from a position of a second respective image. Therespective image can comprise a scaled image corresponding to an imagerepresenting a portion of content. The first respective image cancorrespond to a piece of content and a second respective image cancorrespond to an application. The first respective image can correspondto a piece of content and a second respective image can correspond toanother multimedia container. The first respective image can correspondto a first piece of content and a second respective image can correspondto a second piece of content. The first respective image can correspondto a first portion content of a first media type and a second respectiveimage can correspond to a second portion of content of a second mediatype.

A system for displaying a graphical user interface is presented. In oneembodiment, the system comprises: an object access tracking moduleoperable to store usage information about a plurality of objects withina multimedia container into a datastore, wherein at least one objectcorresponds to a piece of content; a datastore access module operable toaccess the datastore; a recently accessed module operable to determine aplurality of most recently used objects of the multimedia containerbased on the usage information; an image determination module operableto generate a plurality of respective images, wherein each respectiveimage corresponds to each respective most recently used object; and adisplay module operable to display a multimedia container imagecomprising each respective image of the plurality of respective images.The multimedia container image can correspond to the multimediacontainer, and selection of the multimedia container image is operablefor opening the multimedia container. In one exemplary implementation,the display module is operable to display a first respective imagecorresponding to a portion of content adjacent to a second respectiveimage corresponding application icon. The multimedia container image canrepresent a minimization of the multimedia container. The display modulecan be operable to display a first respective image corresponding to amost recently used object in a foreground relative to a secondrespective image corresponding to a second most recently used object.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example,and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanyingdrawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary mobile device and an exemplary multimediacontainer of an exemplary graphical user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary mobile device and another exemplary multimediacontainer of an exemplary graphical user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary interaction of a user withan iconic representation of a multimedia container in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation to create amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary dialog box after an operation to create amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A shows a block diagram of another exemplary operation to create amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B shows an exemplary dialog box for creating a multimediacontainer, editing a wallpaper of a multimedia container, and renaming amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for moving amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6B shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for moving ordeleting a multimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7A shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for moving ordeleting a multimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7B shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for resizing animage corresponding to an object within a multimedia container inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary image representing amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9A shows a block diagram of an animation of opening a multimediacontainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9B shows a block diagram of an animation of minimizing a multimediacontainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled processfor generating a graphical user interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled processfor displaying a home multimedia container in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary home multimedia containerin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled processfor generating a visual representation of a multimedia container inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of exemplary computing system andcorresponding modules, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of embodiments of the present invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Notation and Nomenclature:

Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow, are presentedin terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and othersymbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computermemory. These descriptions and representations are the means used bythose skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure,computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, andgenerally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps orinstructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiringphysical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though notnecessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient attimes, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to thesesignals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers,or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “accessing” or“executing” or “storing” or “rendering” or the like, refer to the actionand processes of an integrated circuit (e.g., system 1400 of FIG. 14),or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transformsdata represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage, transmission or display devices.

Exemplary Systems and Methods for a Multimedia Container

Embodiments of the present invention are operable to allow content andapplications to be organized in a multimedia container. The multimediacontainer may comprise pieces of content, applications, widgets, etc.The multimedia container is displayed via a graphical user interfacethat allows users to select content for access instead of selecting anapplication and then selecting the desired content. Embodiments of thepresent invention allow a user to organize their content based onspecific interests or life events rather than organizing their contentseparately within each application. Embodiments of the present inventionthereby allow a user to access content without going separately to avariety of applications. Embodiments of the present invention furtherallow pieces of content and applications to be organized according to acommon theme while being from different data types. Embodiments of thepresent invention thus allow a user to navigate content and applicationsinstead of just navigating applications. Embodiments of the presentinvention thereby allow for a more personalized experience with a device(e.g., mobile device). Embodiments of the present invention furtherallow a user to organize content according to his or her interests andreorganize the content as his or her interests change.

Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to organize content inthe context of their activities and interests. For example, a userplanning a vacation may add a plurality of websites useful for planningthe vacation, add a couple of books to bring on the vacation, add somesongs to bring on the vacation, and add some videos for entertainingchildren. As another example, a user interested in cars could create amultimedia container for cars and add books about cars and Formula Onedrivers, add video links of videos about cars, and links to various carforums that the user participates in.

Embodiments of the present invention further allow leveraging of generalhuman tendency to be visual. Humans can often times recognize shapes,structures, colors, or patterns faster than they can read a title. Forexample, it may be easier to scan across a space and identify somethingvisually from its color, shape, or pattern of an image as well asidentify where the image is located. Embodiments of the presentinvention thereby help users find content in a space quickly and withmore context.

FIGS. 1-9, 12, and 14 illustrate example components used by variousembodiments of the present invention. Although specific components aredisclosed in FIGS. 1-9, 12, and 14, it should be appreciated that suchcomponents are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present inventionare well suited to having various other components or variations of thecomponents recited in FIGS. 1-9, 12, and 14. It is appreciated that thecomponents in FIGS. 1-9, 12, and 14 may operate with other componentsthan those presented, and that not all of the components of FIGS. 1-9,12, and 14 may be required to achieve the goals of embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary mobile device and an exemplary multimediacontainer of an exemplary graphical user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplarygraphical user interface comprising an exemplary multimedia containerdisplayed by a device (e.g., tablet computing device, mobile phone,smartphone, or the like).

In one embodiment, device 100 is a mobile computing device. Device 100comprises speakers 130 and screen 102. In one embodiment, screen 102 isa touch sensitive (e.g., capacitive screen) operable to receive input(e.g., from a user via one or more fingers) and display a graphical userinterface. Speakers 130 are operable for output of audio duringrendering of content (e.g., video, video games, animations, systemfunctions, etc.).

Device 100 is operable to render a graphical user interface comprising amultimedia container. A multimedia container is a graphically navigablecontainer that is operable to hold various objects of various mediatypes, applications, and widgets. In one embodiment, an exemplaryimplementation of a multimedia container is a tapestry available fromKobo Inc. of Toronto, Canada. Each multimedia container may comprise oneor more objects which may be content, applications, widgets, etc.Multimedia containers display content in a pictorial manner therebysurfacing content for immediate consumption. In one embodiment, themultimedia containers described herein allow a user to configure thelocation of an object within the multimedia container (e.g., withoutbeing constrained to an automatic organization scheme). Embodiments ofthe present invention are operable for variable spacing between objectsof a multimedia container thereby allowing a user to configure thelocation of the objects in a multimedia container in a customizedtailored manner to the user's tastes. For example, a user may leavespace between different pieces of content to visual separate pieces ofcontent.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary graphical user interface rendered by device100. The exemplary graphical user interface comprises search icon 104,voice recognition icon 106, container name 108, all applications icon110, object area 112, and controls icon 160-164. It is noted the objectswithin the multimedia container described below are exemplary andembodiments of the present invention can support more or less objects.

Object area 112 comprises pieces of content, application icons, andwidgets of a multimedia container. In one exemplary embodiment, objectarea 112 includes image 140, website image 142, video image 144,application icon 146, and widget 148. Pieces of content may be shown inpictorial form (e.g., without filenames). Embodiments of the presentinvention allow objects in object area 112 to be resized by a user(e.g., see FIG. 7B). Objects within object area 112 are selectable tolaunch a corresponding application or corresponding application forrendering content corresponding to the object in object area 112.Objects within object area 112 may be moved around (e.g., via draggingafter selection via pressing and holding) or resized (e.g., via pressingand holding and manipulating a size control).

Image 140 is an image (e.g., scaled image, thumbnail, or the like)corresponding to an image that is stored on device 100. In one exemplaryembodiment, image 140 is a scaled version of a child playing basketball(e.g., with a filename). Image 140 is selectable (e.g., via a touch orpress) and is operable to launch an image viewing application to displayan image corresponding to image 140 at full resolution. For example, auser can view image 140 at one resolution within the multimediacontainer and to see more detail a user can select image 140 to see thehigh resolution image that image 140 corresponds thereto.

Website image 142 corresponds to a rendering of a webpage (e.g., via abrowser). In one exemplary embodiment, website image 142 is a scaledversion of a rendering of the webpage according to a size specifiedcorresponding to a multimedia container. In another embodiment, websiteimage 142 is an image determined and selected from the content of thewebsite corresponding to website image 142. Website image 142 isoperable to be selected (e.g., via a touch or press) and is operable tolaunch a web browser to display the website corresponding to websiteimage 142. Website image 142 and other objects within a multimediacontainer may be updated periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, and thelike). In one embodiment, website image 142 and other objects areupdated each time a user accesses the content corresponding to theobject (e.g., the website corresponding to website image 142).

Video image 144 corresponds to a video (e.g., stored locally on device100 or available over a communications network). In one embodiment,video image 144 is a scaled version (e.g., thumbnail) of a key frame ofa video with an optional title. In one exemplary embodiment, video image144 is a scaled version of a key frame of the video scaled according toa size specified corresponding to a multimedia container. Video image144 is operable to be selected (e.g., via a touch or press) and isoperable to launch a video application (e.g., for a video stored locallyon device 100 or available for streaming) or launch a website with thevideo corresponding to video image 144.

Application icon 146 corresponds to an application and is selectable tolaunch the corresponding application. In one exemplary embodiment,application icon 146 corresponds to a calendar application andapplication icon 146 comprises an image of a calendar with the currentdate and text below with the name of the application.

Widget 148 is a widget and is operable to display live, auto-updatingcontent. In one exemplary embodiment, widget 148 is a clock widgetoperable to display the current time. In one embodiment, widget 148 isoperable to be selected (e.g., via touch or press) and upon selectionlaunch a corresponding application (e.g., an clock application withalarm, timer, and stopwatch functionality).

Control icons 160-164 are operable for navigation of a plurality ofmultimedia containers and switching applications. Back control 160 isoperable for navigation to a previous multimedia container. Home control162 is operable for navigating to a home multimedia container, asdescribed herein. Recent apps button 164 is operable to invoke afunction for changing applications.

The multimedia containers of embodiments of the present invention allowa user to visually collect and organize content (e.g., books, magazines,apps, etc.). For example, a multimedia container may be created to tracka user's favorite author. The user can link to the author's Twitter feedand block, keep details of upcoming tours, magazine articles, and eachof the author's books.

A multimedia container may be created to organize activities. Forexample, a user can add applications that can alert the user aboutappointments and keep lists of favorite places to eat or play. Amultimedia container could be created to simplify shopping. For example,the user can add applications for magazines the user follows, keep trackof discount deals, mix and match online images and personal photos tohelp facilitate new ideas, and save links for places the user buysthings.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary mobile device and another exemplary multimediacontainer of an exemplary graphical user interface in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. Similar elements of FIG. 2 havesubstantially similar functions as described with respect to FIG. 1.

In one exemplary embodiment, the multimedia container of exemplarygraphical user diagram 200 is a baseball multimedia container comprisingobjects for a parent who is coaching a baseball team. Multimediacontainer of graphical user interface diagram 200 has a container name208 of baseball.

Object area 212 comprises multimedia container image 150, image 152,book image 154, and book image 156. Objects within object area 212 areselectable to launch a corresponding application or correspondingapplication for rendering content corresponding to the object in objectarea 212. Objects within object area 212 may be moved around (e.g., viadragging after selection via pressing and holding) or resized (e.g., viapressing and holding and manipulating a size control).

Multimedia container image 150 is a multimedia media container with aname of baseball stats and the corresponding multimedia container mayinclude a variety of baseball statistic content (e.g., spreadsheets usedby a coach to track a team, manuals, forms, and other content related totracking of baseball statistics). In one embodiment, multimediacontainer image 150 comprises images of objects within the multimediacontainer corresponding to multimedia image 150. In one exemplaryembodiment, multimedia container image 150 includes an outerframe andtriangle (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) to indicate to a user thatmultimedia container image 150 corresponds to a multimedia container andselecting (e.g., via touch or press) launches the correspondingmultimedia container. Multimedia container image 150 may be selectedwith a press and hold and then dragged around to move multimediacontainer image 150.

Image 152 corresponds to an image (e.g., scaled image, thumbnail, or thelike) of an image that is stored on device 100. In one exemplaryembodiment, image 152 is a scaled version of a child pitching abaseball. Image 152 is selectable (e.g., via a touch or press) and isoperable to launch an image viewing application to display an imagecorresponding to image 152 at full resolution.

Book image 154 comprises a book cover. In one exemplary embodiment, bookimage 154 corresponds to a book entitled “The complete guide to baseballcoaching.” Book image 154 is operable to be selected (e.g., via touch orpress) and launch an e-book application or other application operable torender the book corresponding to book image 154.

Book image 156 comprises an audio book cover. In one exemplaryembodiment, book image 156 corresponds to an audio book entitled “Thecomplete guide to baseball coaching.” Book image 156 is operable to beselected (e.g., via touch or press) and launch an audio book renderingapplication or other application operable to render one or more audiofiles corresponding to book image 156.

Embodiments of the present invention further support objectscorresponding to songs and albums. In one exemplary embodiment, anobject area (e.g., object area 212) corresponding to a multimediacontainer comprises an image of an album cover with an optional title.The image of the album cover may correspond to a song from the album orthe album. The image of the album cover may be operable to be selectedand upon selection launch an audio application to play the album or thesong.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary interaction of a user withan iconic representation of a multimedia container in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 300 depicts anexemplary image representing a multimedia container selectable by auser. Selection of the image representing a multimedia container “opens”the multimedia container thereby displaying the objects within themultimedia container.

Image 302 comprises outline 304, shape 306, label 308, and multimediacontainer object images 310. Outline 304 may surround label 308 andmultimedia container object images 310. Outline 304 and shape 306 areoperable to indicate to a user that image 302 represents a multimediacontainer. In one exemplary embodiment, shape 306 is a triangle. It isappreciated that shape 306 may be different shapes or may not bepresent. Outline 304 may also not be present in some embodiments. Label308 indicates the name of the multimedia container.

Multimedia container object images 310 represent objects within themultimedia container. In one exemplary embodiment, the images ofmultimedia container object images 310 are determined as describedherein.

Embodiments of the present invention are operable to allow selection viaa portion of user's hand 320 (e.g., index finger) to open thecorresponding multimedia container and display the objects within themultimedia container. Embodiments of the present invention are furtheroperable to allow a moving of an image representing a multimediacontainer via pressing and holding on the image representing themultimedia container. The image corresponding to the multimediacontainer may then be dragged to a new location (e.g., a new locationwithin a parent multimedia container comprising the multimediacontainer).

FIG. 4A shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation to create amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary movement for creating amultimedia container via two objects.

As shown in FIG. 4A, a user's hand 420 has selected the image 154 (g.,via pressing and holding on image 154), which corresponds to a bookentitled “the complete guide to baseball coaching,” and dragged it overimage 156, which represents an audio book entitled “the complete guideto baseball coaching.” Upon image 154 covering a specified portion(e.g., 25%) of image 156, colored area 402 is displayed to indicate thatreleasing image 154 will result in creation of a multimedia containercomprises the objects corresponding to images 154 and 156. For example,the operation shown in FIG. 4A results in a multimedia containercomprising the book entitled “the complete guide to baseball coaching”and the audio book entitled “the complete guide to baseball coaching.”In one exemplary embodiment, colored area 402 may be a colored, shaded,and/or transparent area. Embodiments of the present invention supportadding objects (e.g., pieces of content, applications, and widgets) to amultimedia container in a substantially manner by dragging the objectover a multimedia container.

Upon release of image 154 above colored area 402, a prompt to create aname for the multimedia container created may be displayed as shown inFIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B shows an exemplary dialog box after an operation to create amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary dialog box 452 for naming amultimedia container or tapestry. Exemplary dialog box 452 may bedisplayed after an action that can invoke the creation of a multimediacontainer.

Exemplary dialog box 452 allows a user to enter a name of a multimediacontainer or tapestry in text area 454 (e.g., via an on-screenkeyboard). The user can then selected ‘Ok’ to have the multimediacontainer created with the name entered in text area 454. The user canalso choose ‘Cancel’ to cancel the creation of a multimedia container.For example, the user may have accidentally release an object (e.g.,image 154) over another object (e.g., image 156).

FIG. 5A shows a block diagram of another exemplary operation to create amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. Diagram 500 depicts an operation of invoking creation of anempty multimedia container. Multimedia containers can be created in aHome multimedia container and inside other multimedia containers. Aftera multimedia container has been created it can be moved around or movedfrom one multimedia container to another multimedia container.

In one exemplary embodiment, diagram 500 depicts an object area (e.g.,object area 212) of a multimedia container. Diagram 500 comprises image154 and empty space adjacent to image 154. Image 154 corresponds to ane-book within a multimedia container. User's hand 520 presses and holdsa portion of empty space (e.g., in an object area of a multimediacontainer) which invokes an operation for choosing one of a plurality ofactions comprising creation of a new multimedia container.

FIG. 5B shows an exemplary dialog box for creating a multimediacontainer, editing a wallpaper of a multimedia container, and renaming amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary dialog box 550 operable forcreating a new multimedia container.

Exemplary dialog box 550 comprises create tapestry button 552, editwallpaper button 554, and rename current tapestry 556 button. Createtapestry button 552 is operable to invoke an operation for creating amultimedia container or tapestry. Exemplary dialog box 452 may bepresented upon selection of create tapestry button 552.

Edit wallpaper button 554 is operable to invoke an operation forselecting a wallpaper of a multimedia container. In one embodiment, eachmultimedia container can have a respective wallpaper.

Rename current tapestry button 556 is operable to invoke an operationfor renaming a multimedia container or tapestry that is currently beingdisplayed. Renaming of a multimedia container may be done to make themultimedia container easier to find or to identify what is in themultimedia container. Renaming a multimedia media container does notchange the contents or the location of the contents of the multimediacontainer. Exemplary dialog box 452 may be presented with text area 454configured to the name of the multimedia container currently beingdisplayed and thereby allow a user to rename the current multimediacontainer being displayed. In one exemplary embodiment, a pre-configuredreading and home tapestry are not able to be renamed.

FIG. 6A shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for moving amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 6A depicts a user moving a multimedia container from onelocation to another within a graphical user interface (e.g., of a mobiledevice).

Multimedia containers may be moved from one location to another locationwithin a multimedia container containing the multimedia container beingmoved. For example, a multimedia container at the top left of the Homemultimedia container for an event that is now over may be moved toanother location and replaced with something a user is currentlyplanning. Multimedia containers can be moved out of a multimediacontainer. For example, a multimedia container may be moved from insidea multimedia container to a multimedia container at a level above thecurrent location of the multimedia container. Multimedia containers maybe moved between multimedia containers. For example, a multimediacontainer may be moved from inside one multimedia container to anothermultimedia container. Multimedia containers may be moved inside anothermultimedia container.

Diagram 600 shows a user moving a multimedia container image 606 fromposition 606 to position 604. In one exemplary embodiment, a user's hand620 selects multimedia container image 606 at position 602 by pressingand holding within the area where multimedia container image 606 isdisplayed. A finger of user's hand 620 can then drag multimediacontainer image 606 to location 604. When the finger of user's hand 620releases multimedia container image 606 at location 604, the location ofthe multimedia container image 606 will be stored as location 604.

FIG. 6B shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for moving ordeleting an object or multimedia container in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B depicts an exemplarygraphical user interface allowing a user to delete a multimediacontainer or move the multimedia container into another multimediacontainer.

A finger of user's hand 670 selects a multimedia container 654 atlocation 652 (e.g., via pressing and holding on the area of multimediacontainer 654) and bars 656 and 658 are displayed. A user that is nolonger using a multimedia container may delete the multimedia container.By dragging an object or multimedia container 654 to bar 658 the objector multimedia container is deleted. The dragging of a multimediacontainer to bar 658 may result in changing color (e.g., from black toblue). Upon the user releasing the multimedia container over bar 658,the user may be prompted with a delete button to perform the deletion.

The deleting of a multimedia container may delete the items within themultimedia container and any multimedia containers within the multimediacontainer being deleted. In one embodiment, applications within amultimedia container are not deleted upon deleting of the multimediacontainer. Bar 658 may comprises a trash can icon or the words “delete”or “remove.” In one exemplary embodiment, a user may be prompted beforedeleting a multimedia container comprising one or more objects.

By dragging an object or multimedia container 654 to bar 656, the objector multimedia container is moved to a multimedia container comprisingthe multimedia container corresponding to multimedia container image 654(e.g., or the selected multimedia container. The multimedia containerone level up may then be opened. The multimedia container 654 may thenbe positioned within the multimedia container one level up. In oneexemplary embodiment, bar 656 comprises an arrow or symbol (e.g., ‘^’)and a label 660 of the multimedia container comprising multimediacontainer 654 or the multimedia container currently being displayed. Inone embodiment, multimedia container 654 is moved up one level in ahierarchy of multimedia containers by selecting and moving multimediacontainer 654 to bar 656.

FIG. 7A shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for moving amultimedia container into another multimedia container in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A depicts a userrelocating a multimedia media container into another multimediacontainer.

A finger of user's hand 720 has been used to select multimedia container704 (e.g., via pressing and holding on multimedia container 704). Theuser then drags multimedia container 704 onto or over multimediacontainer 702. In one exemplary embodiment, upon dragging multimediacontainer 704 over multimedia container 702, multimedia container 702 isdisplayed or opened thereby allowing placing of multimedia container 704into a specific location within multimedia container 702.

Embodiments of the present invention are operable for allowing movementof an object into a multimedia container (e.g., app, widget, audio file,album, video, weblink, book, etc.). For example, if a finger of user'shand 720 selects an object (e.g., via pressing and holding) and dragsthe item over a multimedia container, the multimedia container isdisplayed thereby allowing the user to place the object at a specificlocation within the multimedia container.

FIG. 7B shows a block diagram of an exemplary operation for resizing animage corresponding to an object within a multimedia container inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B depictsa user invoking a resize operation via pressing and holding on an imageof a displayed multimedia container.

Image 752 corresponds to an object within a multimedia container. Image752 may correspond to an image file, a book, video, song, album,website, etc. A finger of user's hand 720 presses and holds on image 752until a line appears around the edge of image 752. Upon release resizeguides 754 are displayed. Resize guides 754 may be selected via along aline portion or a shape (e.g. diamond) portion. In one embodiment, image752 has an aspect ratio substantially similar to the image of thecontent to which image 752 corresponds. For example, image 752 may havea portrait aspect ratio because image 752 comprises a book cover. In oneexemplary embodiment, the aspect ratio of image 752 is maintained whileimage 752 is scaled to a size configured by the user via resize guides754.

In one embodiment, resizing functionality is invoked via pressing andholding and releasing image 752 at the same location. If the releasingfollowing the pressing and holding is at a different location, image 752may be moved accordingly. For example, if the user drags his finger to anew location, image 752 will be moved to the new location. Embodimentsof the present invention thereby allow user configured relativeplacement and relative sizing of objects within a multimedia container.For example, a user may enlarge the size of a book cover because thebook is important to the user or it may be more visually pleasing tohave a larger book cover image. Embodiments of the present inventionsupport resizing of image of any object type.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary image representing amultimedia container in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 8 depicts an image 800 comprising a minimized multimediacontainer.

Image 800 comprises outline 804, shape 806, label 808, and images 812,814, and 816. Outline 804 may surround label 808 and multimediacontainer object images 310. Outline 804 and shape 806 are operable toindicate to a user that image 800 represents a multimedia container. Inone exemplary embodiment, shape 806 is a triangle. It is appreciatedthat shape 806 may be different shapes or may not be present. Outline804 may also not be present in some embodiments. Label 808 indicates thename of the multimedia container.

Images 812, 814, and 816 correspond to objects within a multimediacontainer corresponding to image 800. In one embodiment, images 812,814, and 816 correspond to the most recently used or last accessedobjects within the corresponding multimedia container. In one exemplaryembodiment, image 812 is a scaled image of an object of the multimediacontainer that was most recently used. Image 812 may be larger thanimages 814 and 816 and centered within image 800. Image 816 correspondsto the object that is the second most recently used and image 814corresponds to the object that is the third most recently used. Image800 thereby is operable to provide a visual reminded of what where theuser was in the multimedia container and what activity the user wasdoing (e.g., reading a book, listening to a song, watching a video). Inone embodiment, images 812, 814, and 816 are updated periodically (e.g.,once an hour, daily, or the like). For example, if image 812 correspondsto a newspaper website, image 812 may be updated daily.

In one embodiment, selection of image 800 opens the correspondingmultimedia container thereby allowing a user to access content,applications, and widgets within the multimedia container. In anotherembodiment, images 812, 814, and 816 are selectable such that a user canselect one of images 812, 814, and 816 and launch the appropriate action(e.g., an application operable to render the content corresponding tothe selected image) corresponding to the selected image.

FIG. 9A shows a block diagram of an animation of opening a multimediacontainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary movement of objects during the opening of amultimedia container.

Image 902 corresponds to a multimedia container. The multimediacontainer is operable to be displayed upon invoking an open operationvia selection of the multimedia container. In one exemplary embodiment,image 902 comprises a label, outline, and shape substantially similar toimage 302.

Image 902 further comprises images 912, 914, and 916. Images 912-916correspond to objects within the multimedia container corresponding toimage 902. In one embodiment, portions of images 914 and 916 are behindimage 912. In one exemplary embodiment, images 912, 914, and 916 arescaled version of images 922, 924, and 926, respectively. Image 912,914, and 916 may be scaled according to a predetermined size of an image(e.g., image 902) corresponding to a multimedia container.

Images 912, 914, and 916 may have respective aspect ratio correspondingto the objects (e.g., pieces of content or applications) that images912, 914, and 916 represent. For example, image 912 may correspond to aphotograph having a width greater than a height of the photograph. Image912 may thus have a width greater than its height.

Upon selection of image 902 (e.g., via a touch or press), the multimediacontainer corresponding to image 902 is opened. Images 912, 914, and 916are moved and scaled to become images 922, 924, and 926, respectively.In one exemplary embodiment, images 912, 914, and 916 are moved andscaled concurrently to become images 922, 924, and 926, respectively. Inone embodiment, image 912 remains in the foreground relative to images914 and 916 while moving and being transformed into image 922. Images914 and 916 remain in the background relative to image 912 while movingand being transformed into images 924 and 926.

The movement is based on the location of images 912, 914, and 916 andthe locations of the images 922, 924, and 926 within the opened ordisplayed multimedia container. The scaling is based on the size ofimages 922, 924, and 926 within the opened or displayed multimediacontainer.

Image 928 corresponds to another object within the multimedia containercorresponding to image 902. Image 928 may be an object not representedwithin image 902 as part of the multimedia container corresponding toimage 902. In one exemplary embodiment, image 928 appears from a pointcorresponding to a center of the portion of the screen wherein image 928is located within the multimedia container. Image 928 may be describedas appears from the background.

FIG. 9B shows a block diagram of an animation of minimizing a multimediacontainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary movement of objects during the minimizingof a multimedia container. The minimizing or closing of a multimediacontainer may be invoked by a back function (e.g., back control 160) orhome function (e.g., home control 162).

Images 922, 924, and 926 are transformed and moved to form image 952corresponding to a multimedia container. In one embodiment, images 922,924, and 926 are transformed to images 912, 914, and 916 whilemaintaining the respective aspect ratios of images 922, 924, and 926.Images 912, 914, and 916 may have the same respective aspect ratios asimages 922, 924, and 926, respectively. Image 928 disappears as images922, 924, and 926 are transformed and moved into images 912, 914, and916. In one exemplary embodiment, image 928 may shrink to a center pointof image 928 until no longer visible before being no longer displayed.In one embodiment, image 922 remains in the foreground relative toimages 924 and 926 while moving and being transformed into image 912.Images 924 and 926 may remain in the background relative to image 922while moving and being transformed into images 914 and 916.

With reference to FIGS. 10-11 and 13, flowcharts 1000, 1100, and 1300illustrate example functions used by various embodiments of the presentinvention for configuration and access of memory. Although specificfunction blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in flowcharts 1000, 1100, and1300, such steps are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited toperforming various other blocks or variations of the blocks recited inflowcharts 1000, 1100, and 1300. It is appreciated that the blocks inflowcharts 1000, 1100, and 1300 may be performed in an order differentthan presented, and that not all of the blocks in flowcharts 1000, 1100,and 1300 may be performed.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled processfor generating a graphical user interface in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 depicts an exemplaryflowchart 1000 of a process for displaying a graphical user interfacecomprising images corresponding to content and/or applications.

At block 1002, a datastore corresponding to a multimedia container isaccessed. In one embodiment, the accessing of the datastorecorresponding to a multimedia container is performed within a mobiledevice (e.g., tablet computing device, smartphone, etc.). The multimediacontainer may comprise a first object and a second object, wherein thefirst object is a first portion of content and the second object is asecond portion of content. The datastore may further compriseinformation about the first object and the second object. In oneembodiment, the first portion content is of a first media type and thesecond portion of content is of a second media type. In one exemplaryembodiment, the second object corresponds to a first application.

The multimedia container may further comprise a third object and whereindatastore comprises information about the third object, where the thirdobject is a second portion of content.

At block 1004, a first image is determined. The first image may bedetermined based on the information about the first object. In oneembodiment, the determining of the first image is performed by anoperating system. The first portion of content is an electronic bookfile and the first image comprises a book cover.

At block 1006, a second image is determined. The second image may bedetermined based on the information about the second object. In oneexemplary embodiment, the determining of the second image based on theinformation about the application. In one embodiment, the second imageis an application icon.

At block 1008, a third image is determined. The third image may bedetermined based on the information about the second portion of content.

At block 1010, the first image and the second image are displayed. Inone embodiment, a size of the first image is user configurable. Forexample, the first image has at least one dimension greater in size thana dimension of the second image.

At block 1012, the first image is selected. The selection of the firstimage is operable to launch a first application operable to render thefirst portion of content. In one embodiment, the second object isaccessible via a second application. In one exemplary embodiment, theselection of the second image is operable to launch the firstapplication, and wherein selection of the first image is operable tolaunch a second application operable to render the first portion ofcontent.

The second portion of content may be an audio file and the third imagecomprises an album cover. The second portion of content may be a videofile and the third image comprises a key frame of the video file. Thethird image comprises an indicator of a rendering operation operable tobe performed on the second portion of content (e.g., a play symbol). Thefirst portion of content may be a website address and the first imagecomprises an image of a website corresponding to the website address.

FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled processfor displaying a home multimedia container in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 depicts a process ofdisplaying home multimedia container and exemplary execution of anapplication corresponding to an object of the home multimedia container.

At block 1102, a portion of an operating system is accessed. In oneexemplary embodiment, the portion of the operating system accessedwithin a mobile device and the portion of the operating systemcorresponds to a mobile device (e.g., tablet computing device,smartphone, etc.).

In one embodiment, the portion of the operating system comprises adatastore (e.g., database, data structure, etc.) corresponding to a homemultimedia container. The home multimedia container may comprises afirst object and a second object, where the first object is a firstportion of content and the second object is an application. Thedatastore may comprise information about the first object and the secondobject. In one exemplary embodiment, the home multimedia container is ata top or root position in a hierarchy of multimedia containers.

In another exemplary embodiment, the home multimedia container comprisesa third object which is a multimedia container (e.g., a multimediacontainer within the home multimedia container). The home multimediacontainer may comprise a fourth object which has a media type differentthan a media type of the first object of the home multimedia container.

At block 1104, a first image and a second image are determined. In oneembodiment, the first image and the second image are determined based onthe information about the first and second object, respectively, withinthe datastore. In one exemplary embodiment, the second image isdetermined based on an application icon corresponding to theapplication. In one embodiment, where the second image corresponds to amultimedia container, the second image is determined based on theplurality of objects within the multimedia container.

At block 1106, the first image and the second image are displayed. Inone embodiment, the first image is displayed adjacent to the secondimage. The displaying of the first and second image may be performed byan operating system. In one embodiment, the displaying is performed inresponse to performance of an unlock function (e.g., a screen unlockfunction, user authentication function, security function, etc.). Thedisplaying may also be performed as part of a startup sequence of theoperating system.

At block 1108, a selection of an image is received. For example, eachimage of the displayed home container may be selectable to launch anapplication, launch an application for viewing of content correspondingto the image, or open a multimedia container corresponding to the image(e.g., a multimedia container within home multimedia container).

At block 1110, an application corresponding to the selected image iscalled. In one exemplary embodiment, a selection of the first image isoperable to launch a first application operable to render the firstportion of content. A selection of an image corresponding to amultimedia container is operable to cause opening or displaying of theplurality of objects of the multimedia container. In one embodiment, aselection of the second image is operable to launch the applicationcorresponding to the second image. In one exemplary embodiment,selection of the first image and dragging the first image over thesecond image is operable for moving the first object into the multimediacontainer.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary a home multimediacontainer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12 depicts a home multimedia container that may be presented uponboot up of an operating system or a home multimedia container accessedduring interaction with an operating system. Elements 100-110, 130, and160-164 may have functionality substantially similar to similarlynumbered elements as described with respect to FIG. 1.

Images 1250-1254 correspond to respective multimedia containers. Image1250 corresponds to a reading multimedia container. Image 1252corresponds to an entertainment multimedia container. Image 1254corresponds to a social multimedia container. Image 1256 is an imagecorresponding to a calendar application. Image 1258 is an imagecorresponding to a browser application.

In one embodiment, multimedia containers are organized in a hierarchicalformat with a Home multimedia container at the top or root of thehierarchy. Multimedia containers can then be created in the Homemultimedia container. Multimedia containers can be then created in themultimedia containers created within the Home multimedia container. Forexample, a music multimedia container could be created in the homemultimedia container. Within the music multimedia container a jazzmultimedia container and a classical multimedia container could becreated. Within the jazz multimedia container a smooth jazz multimediacontainer and a jazz fusion multimedia container could be created.

In one embodiment, the home multimedia container or tapestry comprisespre-loaded multimedia containers with pre-selected content. Thepre-loaded multimedia containers may include a reading multimediacontainer, an entertainment multimedia container, a browsing multimediacontainer, and a social multimedia container. The reading multimediacontainer may include applications and widgets for reading books,magazines, comics, manga, etc. The entertainment multimedia containermay include applications and widgets for videos, games, music, etc. Thebrowsing multimedia container may include links to popular websites suchas www.google.com, www.yahoo.com, www.msn.com, and www.twitter.com. Thesocial multimedia container may include applications and widgets forsocial activities such as Pinterest™ of Pinterest Corporation of PaloAlto, Calif., Twitter™ from Twitter Corporation of San Francisco,Calif., and Skype™ from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.

In one embodiment, a multimedia container may be moved to the Homemultimedia container by a user pressing and holding the multimediacontainer to be moved and dragging the multimedia container to a bar atthe top of the screen (e.g., bar 656) until the multimedia container onelevel up is opened. Then the multimedia container may be dragged brieflyout of the bar and dragged up again to the bar at the top of the screen.The dragging out of the bar and into the bar at the top of the screenmay be performed until the Home multimedia container is opened.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of an exemplary computer controlled processfor generating a visual representation of a multimedia container inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 depictsa process for determining and displaying the objects most recentlyaccessed within a multimedia container as a portion of graphical userinterface. The displaying of the objects most recently used in amultimedia container may be used to represent a multimedia container ina minimized form (e.g., as a user navigates at a level above the objectsin the multimedia container).

At block 1302, a datastore corresponding to a multimedia container isaccessed. In one embodiment, a datastore corresponding to a multimediacontainer is accessed within a mobile device (e.g., tablet computingdevice, smartphone, etc.). The multimedia container comprises aplurality of objects. In one exemplary embodiment, the multimediacontainer comprises a first object which is a first portion of contentand a second object which is a second portion of content. The datastoremay further comprise information about the plurality of objects (e.g.,metadata about the objects).

At block 1304, a plurality of most recently accessed objects of themultimedia container is determined. In one embodiment, the plurality ofmost recently used objects of the multimedia container is determinedbased on the information (e.g., metadata) about each within themultimedia container.

At block 1306, a respective image corresponding to each of the mostrecently used objects is determined. In one exemplary embodiment, afirst respective image corresponds to a piece of content and a secondrespective image corresponds to an application icon. In anotherembodiment, a first respective image corresponds to a first portioncontent of a first media type and a second respective image correspondsto a second portion of content of a second media type.

In one exemplary embodiment, a first respective image corresponds to apiece of content and a second respective image corresponds to anapplication. In another embodiment, a first respective image correspondsto a piece of content and a second respective image corresponds toanother multimedia container. In one embodiment, a first respectiveimage corresponds to a first piece of content and a second respectiveimage corresponds to a second piece of content. For example, a firstrespective image corresponds to a first portion content of a first mediatype and a second respective image corresponds to a second portion ofcontent of a second media type. In one embodiment, a respective imagecomprises a scaled image corresponding to an image representing aportion of content.

At block 1308, an order of each respective image is determined. In oneembodiment, the order of each respective image based on a respectiveaccess time of a respective object corresponding to the respectiveimage.

At block 1310, the images are displayed. In one embodiment, an imagecomprising each respective image according to the order, wherein theimage corresponds to the multimedia container. In one exemplaryembodiment, a first respective image corresponding to most recently usedobject of the plurality of most recently accessed objects of themultimedia container is displayed in a foreground position relative to asecond respective image. A second respective image corresponding to asecond most recently used object of the plurality of most recentlyaccessed objects and the second respective image is displayed in abackground position relative to the first respective image. The imagecomprising each respective image may be operable upon selection toinvoke an operation to open the multimedia container. A respectiveportion of the image comprising each respective image is operable uponselection to open a piece of content corresponding to each respectiveimage.

In another embodiment, the plurality of respective images is displayed.The images may be displayed such that each respective image isselectable. A selection of a respective image of the plurality ofrespective images may then be received. An application corresponding toa selected respective image and a respective object may be launched uponselection.

In one embodiment, a first respective image corresponding to a mostrecently used object is displayed in a foreground relative to a secondrespective image corresponding to a second most recently used object.The first respective image may further be displayed at an offset from aposition of a second respective image.

FIG. 14 illustrates exemplary components used by various embodiments ofthe present invention. Although specific components are disclosed incomputing system environment 1400, it should be appreciated that suchcomponents are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present inventionare well suited to having various other components or variations of thecomponents recited in computing system environment 1400. It isappreciated that the components in computing system environment 1400 mayoperate with other components than those presented, and that not all ofthe components of system 1400 may be required to achieve the goals ofcomputing system environment 1400.

FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of exemplary computer system andcorresponding modules, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. With reference to FIG. 14, an exemplary system module forimplementing embodiments includes a general purpose computing systemenvironment, such as computing system environment 1400. Computing systemenvironment 1400 may include, but is not limited to, servers, desktopcomputers, laptops, tablet PCs, tablet computing devices, mobiledevices, and smartphones. In its most basic configuration, computingsystem environment 1400 typically includes at least one processing unit1402 and computer readable storage medium 1404. Depending on the exactconfiguration and type of computing system environment, computerreadable storage medium 1404 may be volatile (such as RAM), non-volatile(such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or some combination of the two.Portions of computer readable storage medium 1404 when executedfacilitate efficient execution of memory operations or requests forgroups of threads.

Computing system environment 1400 may further include a power source(e.g., battery) (not shown) operable to allow computing systemenvironment 1400 to be movable and mobile while operating.

Additionally, computing system environment 1400 may also have additionalfeatures/functionality. For example, computing system environment 1400may also include additional storage (removable and/or non-removable)including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks or tape. Suchadditional storage is illustrated in FIG. 10 by removable storage 1408and non-removable storage 1410. Computer storage media includes volatileand nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.Computer readable medium 1404, removable storage 1408 and non-removablestorage 1410 are all examples of computer storage media. Computerstorage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD)or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other mediumwhich can be used to store the desired information and which can beaccessed by computing system environment 1400. Any such computer storagemedia may be part of computing system environment 1400.

Computing system environment 1400 may also contain communicationsconnection(s) 1412 that allow it to communicate with other devices.Communications connection(s) 1412 is an example of communication media.Communication media typically embodies computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term computer readable media as usedherein includes both storage media and communication media.

Communications connection(s) 1412 may allow computing system environment1400 to communication over various networks types including, but notlimited to, fibre channel, small computer system interface (SCSI),Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-fi, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Local areanetworks (LAN), Wireless Local area networks (WLAN), Near FieldCommunication (NFC), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-term Evolution (LTE), WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), wide area networks (WAN)such as the internet, serial, and universal serial bus (USB). It isappreciated the various network types that communication connection(s)1412 connect to may run a plurality of network protocols including, butnot limited to, transmission control protocol (TCP), internet protocol(IP), real-time transport protocol (RTP), real-time transport controlprotocol (RTCP), file transfer protocol (FTP), and hypertext transferprotocol (HTTP).

Computing system environment 1400 may also have input device(s) 1414such as a touch screen (e.g., capacitive touch screen), keyboard, mouse,pen, voice input device, touch input device, remote control, camera,etc. Output device(s) 1416 such as a display (e.g., touch screen),speakers, etc. may also be included. All these devices are well known inthe art and are not discussed at length.

In one embodiment, computer readable storage medium 1404 includesmultimedia container module 1406, and operating system module 1450.

Multimedia container module 1406 comprises datastore access module 1420,image determination module 1422, display module 1424, selection module1426, and multimedia container representation module 1430.

Datastore access module 1420 is operable to access a datastorecorresponding to a multimedia container comprising a plurality ofobjects, wherein at least one object corresponds to a piece of content.

Image determination module 1422 operable to generate a plurality ofrespective images each corresponding to respective object of theplurality of objects of the multimedia container. Image determinationmodule may be operable to periodically determine a respective image. Inone embodiment, a first respective image corresponds to a first mediatype and a second respective image corresponds to a second media type.

Display module 1424 is operable to display each respective image of theplurality of respective images, where the display module is operable todisplay a portion of content adjacent to an application icon. In oneembodiment, display module is operable for execution on a mobile device.

Selection module 1426 operable to receive a selection of the respectiveimage and invoke an application corresponding to the image.

Multimedia container representation module 1430 comprises object accesstracking module 1432, datastore access module 1434, recently accessedmodule 1436, image determination module 1438, and display module 1440.

Object access tracking module 1432 is operable to store usageinformation about a plurality of objects within a multimedia containerinto a datastore, where at least one object corresponds to a piece ofcontent.

Datastore access module 1434 operable to access a datastore, asdescribed herein.

Recently accessed module 1436 is operable to determine a plurality ofmost recently used objects of the multimedia container based on theusage information.

Image determination module 1438 is operable to generate a plurality ofrespective images, where each respective image corresponds to respectivemost recently used object.

Display module 1440 is operable to display an image comprising eachrespective image of the plurality of respective images, where the imagecorresponds to the multimedia container. In one embodiment, the imagerepresents a minimization of the multimedia container. Selection of theimage is operable for opening the multimedia container. In one exemplaryembodiment, display module 1440 is operable to display a firstrespective image corresponding to a portion of content adjacent to asecond respective image corresponding application icon. In oneembodiment, display module 1440 is operable to display a firstrespective image corresponding to a most recently used object in aforeground relative to a second respective image corresponding to asecond most recently used object.

Operating system module 1450 comprises datastore access module 1452,image determination module 1454, display module 1456, and selectionmodule 1458.

Datastore access module 1452 is operable to access a datastorecorresponding to a home multimedia container comprising a plurality ofobjects, where a first object of the plurality of objects is operable tobe a piece of content.

Image determination module 1454 is operable to generate a plurality ofrespective images each corresponding to respective object of theplurality of objects of the home multimedia container. Display module1456 is operable to display each respective image of the plurality ofrespective images, where the display module is operable to display aportion of content adjacent to an application icon. In one embodiment, asecond object of the plurality of objects is operable to be anapplication.

Selection module 1458 is operable to receive a selection of therespective image and invoke an application corresponding to the image.In one embodiment, selection of a first respective image of theplurality of respective images is operable to launch an application forrendering a piece of content corresponding to the first respectiveimage.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for displaying a portion of a graphicaluser interface, said method comprising: accessing, within a mobiledevice, a datastore corresponding to a multimedia container, whereinsaid multimedia container comprises a plurality of objects, wherein afirst object of said plurality of objects is a first portion of contentand a second object of said plurality of objects is a second portion ofcontent, wherein said datastore comprises information about saidplurality of objects, wherein said multimedia container is a member of ahierarchy of multimedia containers that comprise a home multimediacontainer at a root level of said hierarchy, and wherein the homemultimedia container comprises a next level multimedia container;determining a plurality of most recently accessed objects of saidplurality of objects in said multimedia container based on saidinformation about said plurality of objects, wherein said plurality ofmost recently accessed objects comprise objects of different mediatypes; determining a plurality of respective images, wherein eachrespective image of the plurality of respective images corresponds to arespective object of said plurality of most recently accessed objects;determining an order of said respective images based on a respectiveaccess time of a respective object corresponding to each of saidrespective images; displaying a multimedia container image comprisingoverlapping images, wherein each of said overlapping images comprisesone of said respective images and are arranged according to said order,wherein said multimedia container image corresponds to said multimediacontainer; receiving a selection of the multimedia container image;transforming, in response to the selection, the overlapping images ofthe multimedia container image into a first set of images includingnon-overlapping images comprising each of said respective imagescorresponding to each of said plurality of most recently accessedobjects, wherein the first set of images includes an image correspondingto an object that is different from said plurality of most recentlyaccessed objects; and displaying said first set of images.
 2. The methodas described in claim 1, wherein a first respective image corresponds tomost recently used object among the plurality of most recently accessedobjects of the multimedia container, and wherein said first respectiveimage is displayed in a foreground position relative to a secondrespective image.
 3. The method as described in claim 2, wherein saidsecond respective image corresponds to a second most recently usedobject among the plurality of most recently accessed objects and saidsecond respective image is displayed in a background position relativeto said first respective image.
 4. The method as described in claim 1further comprising opening said multimedia container responsive to auser interaction with said multimedia container image comprising eachrespective image.
 5. The method as described in claim 1 furthercomprising opening a piece of content corresponding to each respectiveimage responsive to a user interaction with a respective portion of saidmultimedia container image comprising each respective image.
 6. Themethod as described in claim 1, wherein a first respective imagecorresponds to a piece of content and a second respective imagecorresponds to an application icon.
 7. The method as described in claim1, wherein said determining the plurality of respective images isperformed by an operating system operated on said mobile device.
 8. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon,computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor in amobile device, cause the processor to perform a method for displaying agraphical user interface, said method comprising: accessing, within saidmobile device, a datastore corresponding to a multimedia container,wherein said multimedia container comprises a plurality of objects,wherein a first object of said plurality of objects is a first portionof content and a second object of said plurality of objects is a secondportion of content, wherein said datastore comprises information aboutsaid plurality of objects, wherein said multimedia container is a memberof a hierarchy of multimedia containers that comprise a home multimediacontainer at a root level of said hierarchy, and wherein the homemultimedia container comprises a next-level multimedia container;determining a plurality of most recently accessed objects of saidplurality of objects in the multimedia container based on saidinformation about said plurality of objects, wherein said plurality ofmost recently accessed objects comprise objects of different mediatypes; determining a plurality of respective images, wherein eachrespective image of the plurality of respective images corresponds to arespective object of said plurality of most recently accessed objects;determining an order of said respective images based on a respectiveaccess time of a respective object corresponding to each of saidrespective images; displaying a multimedia container image comprisingoverlapping images, wherein each of said overlapping images comprise oneof said respective images and are arranged according to said order,wherein said multimedia container image corresponds to said multimediacontainer; receiving a selection of the multimedia container image;transforming, in response to the selection, the overlapping images ofthe multimedia container image into a first set of images includingnon-overlapping images comprising each of said respective imagescorresponding to each of said plurality of most recently accessedobjects, wherein the first set of images includes an image correspondingto an object that is different from said plurality of most recentlyaccessed objects; and displaying said first set of images.
 9. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 8,wherein a first respective image corresponding to a most recently usedobject is displayed in a foreground relative to a second respectiveimage corresponding to a second most recently used object.
 10. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 8,wherein a first respective image is displayed at an offset from aposition of a second respective image.
 11. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as described in claim 8, wherein arespective image comprises a scaled image corresponding to an imagerepresenting a portion of content.
 12. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as described in claim 8, wherein afirst respective image corresponds to a piece of content and a secondrespective image corresponds to an application.
 13. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium as described in claim 12, wherein afirst respective image corresponds to a piece of content and a secondrespective image corresponds to another multimedia container in saidhierarchy.
 14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium asdescribed in claim 12, wherein a first respective image corresponds to afirst piece of content and a second respective image corresponds to asecond piece of content.
 15. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium as described in claim 8, wherein said determining theplurality of respective images is performed by an operating systemoperated in said mobile device.
 16. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium as described in claim 8, wherein said mobile device is atablet computing device.
 17. A system for displaying a graphical userinterface, said system comprising: processing circuitry; memory coupledto said processing circuitry; wherein said processing circuitry isconfigured to: access, within a mobile device, a datastore correspondingto a multimedia container, wherein said multimedia container comprises aplurality of objects, wherein a first object of said plurality ofobjects is a first portion of content and a second object of saidplurality of objects is a second portion of content, wherein saiddatastore comprises information about said plurality of objects, whereinsaid multimedia container is a member of a hierarchy of multimediacontainers that comprise a home multimedia container at a root level ofsaid hierarchy, and wherein the home multimedia container comprises anext level multimedia container; determine a plurality of most recentlyaccessed objects of said plurality of objects in said multimediacontainer based on said information about said plurality of objects,wherein said plurality of most recently accessed objects compriseobjects of different media types; determine a plurality of respectiveimages, wherein each respective image of the plurality of respectiveimages corresponds to a respective object of said plurality of mostrecently accessed objects; determine an order of said respective imagesbased on a respective access time of a respective object correspondingto each of said respective images; display a multimedia container imagecomprising overlapping images, wherein each of said overlapping imagescomprises one of said respective images and are arranged according tosaid order, wherein said multimedia container image corresponds to saidmultimedia container; receive a selection of the multimedia containerimage; transform, in response to the selection, the overlapping imagesof the multimedia container image into a first set of images includingnon-overlapping images comprising each of said respective imagescorresponding to each of said plurality of most recently accessedobjects, wherein the first set of images includes an image correspondingto an object that is different from said plurality of most recentlyaccessed objects; and display said first set of images.
 18. The systemas described in claim 17, wherein said processing circuitry is furtherconfigured to display a first respective image corresponding to aportion of content adjacent to a second respective image correspondingapplication icon.
 19. The system as described in claim 17, wherein saidmultimedia container image represents a minimization of said multimediacontainer.
 20. The system as described in claim 17, wherein saidprocessing circuitry is further configured to display a first respectiveimage corresponding to a most recently used object in a foregroundrelative to a second respective image corresponding to a second mostrecently used object.